Capt. Michael F. White, Jr., commander of Coast Guard Sector Charleston, was the presiding official over the time-honored ceremony.

“This day is about Senior Chief McDonnell, so I’d like to thank him,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer William G. Bennett III, officer in charge of Coast Guard Station Brunswick. “Senior Chief, thank you for leaving me with such a great station and outstanding crew.”

Change of command ceremonies are designed to strengthen respect for the continuity of command and are vital to any military organization. The culmination of the ceremony is reached when both members read their orders, face one another, salute, and transfer total responsibility for the command.